Manchester boss Gareth Stephenson has confirmed that the firm will look to offer apprenticeships as pathways to both paralegal work and full qualification at its expanding office in the City. If the plan pushes ahead, Freshfields will likely become the first Magic Circle firm to launch an apprenticeship program, keeping step with firms like Mayer Brown and Eversheds.
Manchester expansion
Freshfields decision to offer apprenticeships in Manchester forms part of a broader play to attract fresh legal talent to the city, where the firm's presence is rapidly expanding. Last October, Freshfields confirmed that it was in the process of doubling its square footage in Manchester after less than a year in the northern city, signing up for 80,000 sq ft of space at the One New Bailey development in the Spinningfields business district.
Training contracts
Rumours are also swirling that Freshfields may be considering offering training contracts in Manchester, though the firm insists this is 'unlikely to happen in the short term.' Presently, Freshfields offers 80 training contracts each year, all of which are based at its London hub.
Sources: Lawyer 2B; Legal Cheek (1); Legal Cheek (2)
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